professional skills
Take a look at the skills I have acquired and honed over a 30 year journey.
natural leadership
"micro visionary"
I call myself a "micro visionary". It means that I have the unique ability to see the entire big picture as well as all of the small details that need to be in place to make the vision happen.
conductor
Seeing the small details that need to occur means conducting the right people in the right positions to do the right things. I believe in placing people in positions based on their strengths to achieve their maximum potential.
strong work ethic
I am not afraid of putting the hours in to see visions come to life. Leading people, conducting business means leading by example. If the leader doesn't put in their full effort, then the rest of the workforce will follow suit. Every person, from the CEO to entry-level workers, must have a good work ethic to keep the company functioning at it's peak.
extreme ownership
Leaders must own both the wins and the losses. I have an aggressive - not overbearing, proactive - not reactive, team based - not solo, ask questions until you understand why so you can believe in what you are doing, no-excuse - figure it out, humble - not passive, no finger pointing, quiet but not silent, calm but not robotic, logical but not devoid of emotions style of leadership. Why? Because it is ultimately my responsibility.
conflict resolution
I believe in immediate resolution of conflict. My rule is go to the person of which there is an issue. If the issue cannot be resolved between the two people, then bring it before the supervisor. If the issue still cannot be resolved, then the issue goes before the team leaders of whom will then pass a decision in which the conflict will then be resolved. The parties in the matter must then abide by that decision. I don't believe in drama, gossip mills or passive aggressive behavior. It takes energy, time and creativity and misplaces it. I believe in coming to a consensus - a decision that everyone can live with - not a vote.
communicator
I have come to understand - and act as if - others do not have the information I may have. Communication requires the covering of all the information, asking questions and allowing questions, engaged listening, watching for non-verbal ques, clarity, open-mindedness, and respect.
team management
Whether in my own company or training leaders of other companies, positively managing a team is critical. I realize that I can affect the lives of my team members in every day interactions and lead by example through projects, circumstances, and life. Learning to surround yourself with a team that not only lifts you up, but also the ultimate vision, is one of the hardest yet most rewarding things one can do as a leader. My management style is to communicate, coach before correct, and point my team toward something bigger (not to me).
business operations
operations management
I have developed business practices to create the highest level of proficiency possible within organizations, based on their goals and vision.
business recovery
The creation of business systems and processes is one of my key assets. To do this to recover a failing business and create a resiliency plan for sustained business success is one of the most gratifying things I can do for a business.
talented negotiator
Demeanor is everything in negotiation. Respect and gratitude play a large role in successful negotiation. I believe in outcomes that benefit both parties in the best way possible.
strategic partnership building
I believe this is one of the most crucial skills in business. It is imperative that small business owners build a network of mentors and relationships. In larger companies and organizations, these partnerships create a bond that is stronger than the two would be separately. Finding people or businesses who are strong where you may be weak is a major key to success.
workflow and process wiz
I easily envision workflows and can create accompanying process that allow information to be acquired and presented in the most efficient way. Whether this be through paper documents or online forms, both are presented with the least amount of duplication and highest amount of information connection to deliver the best results possible. Most importantly, workflows and processes are always created to be simple for everyone to use.
financial analysis
I love the process of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets and other finance-related entities to determine their performance and suitability. I enjoy researching the macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions, along with company fundamentals, to make business, sector and industry recommendations and develop relative financial models.
marketing
customer service
I believe every position is a customer service position. Every person in the organization should know how to treat people inside the organization as well as outside. This is the first step in marketing. If your employees aren't happy, your clients won't be happy.
customer targeting
I take the STP approach to target marketing. It is important for a business to identify and select a target market so it can direct its marketing efforts to that group of customers and better satisfy their needs and wants.
market research
Because I am an observer of people, I enjoy market research, which includes social and opinion research, the systematic gathering and interpretation of information about individuals or organizations using statistical and analytical methods and techniques of the applied social sciences to gain insight or support decision making.
marketing and advertising
Advertising is just one component, or subset, of marketing. Public relations, media planning, product pricing and distribution, sales strategy, customer support, market research and community involvement are all parts of comprehensive marketing efforts. I have developed a nose for the routes businesses and organizations should go.
business administration
financial management
I believe in always knowing where the checkbook stands. Never give that knowledge away for someone else to watch. Run basic reports daily to keep your finger on the pulse of business.
quickbooks professional
As a Quickbooks Pro, I am fluent in the ins-and-outs of this amazing accounting software. From basic bookkeeping such as bank statement reconciliation, accounts payable and accounts receivable to cost-effective procurement, it's a breeze knowing this software and training people how to use it.
inventory control and management
Demeanor is everything in negotiation. Respect and gratitude play a large role in successful negotiation. I believe in outcomes that benefit both parties in the best way possible.
employee recruiting
This includes defining the position, defining the person's strengths for the position, resume assessment and interviewing, hiring, training, and supervision.
networking expert
The relationships that you build and the people that you know certainly help drive the success of any project, program or business. Success can sometimes mirror the old adage, "It's all about who you know". You never know who might be the person or the organization that has the answer or solution you are looking for. Network, network, network. It's part of every good marketing plan.
certified trainer
certified kagan professional development trainer
As one of the select few to be chosen to go through this rigorous trainer boot camp, I am now a Kagan Certified Professional Development Trainer. I can train teams how to work more cohesively together, divisions on how to become more collaborative, and leaders on how to effectively lead.
outstanding presentation skills
Being a corporate trainer, a key speaker for conferences and an executive coach requires presentation skills above reproach. The keys for me are to engage everyone, require movement and get others talking, too.